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Is The UPPAbaby MINU Stroller As Great As It Seems?

The UPPAbaby MINU stroller is a tiny-folding stroller that is new to UPPAbaby’s lineup of full-size strollers, at least as of writing this review. It is praised as being a 2-in-1 stroller — a combination of the UPPAbaby Vista‘s features plus being smaller, compact-sized, and lightweight.

For its size, you can use its frame plus an adapter that is compatible with your infant car seat, to transform it into a lightweight travel system. You can alternatively attach a “Birth Kit Accessory” if you want your newborn to be comfortably positioned just like in a bassinet.

Despite its flexible use, not all are impressed.

In this review, I am going to help you decide if the UPPAbaby MINU stroller is a good one. Let’s start!

The Stroller Seat

The UPPAbaby MINU’s stroller seat uses good material for the added comfort of your child. The seat is also larger and longer which most parents prefer so their child would have more room.

The Minu stroller is only positioned world-facing. Meaning, you cannot have your child in a position where they are facing you.

The available positions in this stroller are upright and reclined up to 140 to 150 degrees. It can be adjusted through the straps behind the seat. Lowering the backrest can be done with only one hand, but raising it requires two.

The lowest reclining position is comfortable enough for your child’s naptime and when changing diapers, although it is not a flat recline.

When the stroller is in a more upright position, the backrest is strong enough to hold your kiddo in place.

How To Recline The UPPAbaby MINU Stroller Seat

The Restraint System

The UPPAbaby MINU stroller uses a 5-point harness for your baby’s protection. Each strap is adjustable to cater to your child’s growth. The shoulder straps have shoulder pads, too!

One-Hand Open/Fold Mechanism

The UPPAbaby MINU can be small when folded. This is one feature where the MINU is a great shot. It’s so compact that it can even fit inside the aircraft passenger’s overhead compartment.

Another great feature is you can have the folded stroller hang in your shoulder as it comes with carrying strap. Kind of like a shoulder bag, I must say.

Folding and unfolding the Minu stroller might be easy for some but difficult for most. A lot of parents are complaining that unfolding this stroller is so complicated. This stroller, they say, is not recommended if you’re traveling alone with an infant. According to most parents, you will be struggling to fold and unfold it on security checks — unless you’re comfortable enough to let a stranger carry your baby while you’re unfolding it, or vice versa.

I personally feel that the folding mechanism is not very intuitive. We used to have a Graco stroller that folds and unfolds like this (minus the compact fold). At first, I hated it. I cannot make it work. But after I learned how to do it, it becomes so easy. Maybe you just have to learn the “technique” on how to do it?

I had to play the video frame by frame to see the whole process, lol. I think the process is pretty standard to strollers which are designed like this. You have to slide the “lever” to the right, squeeze the “button” underneath the center of the handle and push it down to fold it. Make sure to check if the latch on the side is locked to prevent it from unexpectedly opening while you carry it.

To unfold, unlock the latch at the side of the stroller and pull up the handle to open the stroller.

See this video.

How To Fold The UPPAbaby MINU stroller

Can It Stand Upright Alone When Folded?

As mentioned above, the UPPAbaby MINU stroller folds into a small compact package. To answer if it self-stands, yes, it does. It stands on its own when folded. There is an automatic lock upon folding it, which needs unlatching before you can open the stroller again.

Because of its tiny fold size and self-stand feature, it is not a problem storing it in your (small) car. You can also keep it under the table when eating out with your family.

Storage Basket

The UPPAbaby MINU stroller’s storage basket is of average size and can fit a regular-sized diaper bag and everyday essentials. Some reviews say that it is smaller than the Vista and Cruz storage baskets, but some users mentioned that the basket can accommodate almost everything they need.

The basket has mesh sides to keep the inside dry, and easy for you to find things and grab them from the front or back of the stroller.

Stroller Handle

The UPPAbaby MINU stroller handle is unique. It is covered with leather for extra hold and added fashion! However, the handle isn’t height-adjustable. Personally, I would prefer it to be adjusted, possibly at three varying positions. Parents don’t have the same heights!

I would also advise not to put extra weight on the handle — like your bag or any purchased goods. Not because it couldn’t suffice, but because if there is too much weight at the back of the stroller, it might possibly trip. A parent mentioned that the stroller often trips backward even when a 21 lbs baby is seated and some bags are in the basket.

Putting heavy things in the handle is never advisable. Therefore, it is never the responsibility of the manufacturer if the stroller trips because of doing so.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on https://www.amazon.com/ at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Child’s Tray

The UPPAbaby MINU is at the higher mark of stroller prices. Despite it being pricy, it also doesn’t come with a child’s tray. The trays are important and helpful because, say, for example, you’ll have a picnic in the park after a stroll and you would like your child to just stay in the stroller while enjoying the snacks. How would you do that without a child’s tray?

Luckily, it is possible to have one as there are trays compatible with this unit, but of course, at an additional cost.

Foot Rest/Leg Rest

The UPPAbaby MINU stroller technically “doesn’t” have a footrest. If your child’s legs grow a bit longer, it would then reach the frame supporting the basket — where it’s possible to have the foot rested. This might sound funny, but, why not?

Yet I hope if they release a newer version of MINU, the UPPAbaby should start with the footrest so parents won’t be worried about their children’s feet swinging around.

The Canopy

The pull-out canopy of the UPPAbaby MINU stroller is one of the most admirable features because of its large size. To add more coverage, there’s a pop-out visor, too. On the top of the canopy is a vented peekaboo window which you can pop open for quickly checking on your baby.

Connected to the canopy is a storage pocket located at the back of the stroller. It’s perfect for your phone, keys or any pocket-sized essentials. It is easy to access so you would not have the trouble of rummaging through your bag to look for these things.

On the other hand, the canopy has many issues for some buyers who asked for a replacement. They said that the canopy feels so flimsy after using it for a few times.

There was also an instance where the clips holding the canopy became loose.

Some parents get broken canopy frames after traveling. To avoid this problem, bring your stroller with you when you board, as long as the airplane’s overhead compartment can accommodate it. It’s not a secret that people handling our check-in luggage (and strollers) need the proper discipline for carefully handling things and not throwing them around.

Size and Weight

Dimensions When Opened:

Stroller Width: 20.5 inches

Stroller Height: 41 inches

Stroller Depth: 28 inches

Dimensions When Folded:

Stroller Width: 20.5 inches

Stroller Height: 23 inches

Stroller Depth: 28 inches

Weight

Item weight: 15.2 lbs

Maximum Manufacturer Weight Recommended: 55 lbs

The Wheels

The MINU has thin but sturdy rubber wheels, two smaller pivoting wheels in front and another two at the back which is bigger in size. These wheels are typical for lightweight strollers, but with UPPAbaby MINU, it has a luxurious and smooth push to it. Because of its style, it has an excellent turning radius especially for narrow doorways, small areas, and tight corners.

Another good thing is that the UPPAbaby MINU can combat bumps because of its all-wheel suspension. Although the wheels are small, it can handle cracks on sidewalks and gravel paths. Still, this stroller isn’t made for all types of terrains, so it works better on flat and smooth surfaces.

Unfortunately, some buyers have mentioned that after using the UPPAbaby MINU for a few months, the front wheels started locking in place, particularly sideways where it prevents the forward direction. It even moves left when you want to go right and stops when you want to move.

Several users have asked for a replacement because of the broken wheels after using the stroller for only a couple of times. One parent even asked for a replacement on the first day of use just because of the broken wheels!

The Brakes

For the stop and go of this stroller, you can use the foot pedals. The UPPAbaby MINU stroller is equipped with two pedals, for locking and releasing. It is color-coded to eliminate confusion.

For stopping, you need to step on the right pedal with a red indicator. For unlocking, you need to step on the left pedal with a green indicator. Sounds easier, as it is the same with traffic lights! It is quick and easy, whether you are wearing your flip flops, heels, or sneakers.

However, there were some parents who hated the break system of the UPPAbaby MINU stroller. According to them, once dirt or sand went in, it’s possible that the pedals would be hard to operate. But as mentioned earlier, this stroller is best for flat and smooth surfaces.

Conclusion

The UPPAbaby MINU stroller is at a higher price range. It has many features of a full-sized stroller, but there are many factors about this stroller that doesn’t warrant its price tag.

For its price, you can already take advantage of a double stroller, a travel system, or even a better lightweight stroller. MINU doesn’t even have the basics like trays and cup holders. For the amount they are asking for, I would even expect an infant car seat. But it’s Uppababy. A high-end brand. What do you expect? LOL.

Many people love the UPPAbaby, but not the MINU stroller. Although you won’t have a hard time asking for a replacement since they’re very considerate, it’s inconvenient to keep asking for replacements, isn’t it?

For me, as long as they replace it, I’m good. But if you are in the middle of your travel overseas and it’s practically impossible to have a replacement, what are you going to do? Buy a new one? Abandon the expensive but broken stroller?

Being honest here, the UPPAbaby MINU stroller stands out when it comes to the design and function — suitable for urban areas. But we are not here to look for the “prettiest” strollers.

As for now, I will not consider getting it. For less than its price, you can get the better lightweight, more durable and equally-versatile strollers.

Watch the Video to Learn More About The UPPAbaby MINU Stroller

Also, I highly suggest that you check out the feedbacks of parents who this stroller to help you decide further.

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